Heading into the second year, it's just around the bend. Looking
back, the year has certainly changed dramatically. A typical day is a good example of what we do differently. We all get up around 5:30 a.m., after a full night's sleep (no more wakings around the clock to feed). Mommy nurses Jake, while Daddy gets the coffee on and the oatmeal made.
We all have breakfast together, talking about the day or the week ahead. There is time to play in the morning, but given that Mommy has to leave the house at 7:00 to walk to work and start work by 7:30, we are on a tight schedule for getting showered and dressed starting at 6:30. Jake enjoys the exploring time in the bedroom while Mommy or Daddy are getting ready. After Mommy leaves with a wave bye-bye, Daddy and Jake play until it's time for the morning nap at 8:00.
The hour and half nap is usually a good time for Daddy to nap too if he needs it, or to get some chores for the day done, or to just enjoy some time to himself. The morning nap is followed by snack (something like toast, apple, or banana), and then they are off to a playgroup for the rest of the morning or meet up with friends.
After lunch the afternoon nap happens around 12:30 or 1:00. This one always seems to be a tough one for Jake to want to take, and he often wakes up upset. But his protests of having had to sleep are often abated with a visit to Lucy for a cuddle, or a good drink of water. Afternoon snack also helps to put him back in a good mood.
The afternoon is a good time to play in the house, or head out for a quick errand. Mommy returns home around 3:45 and it's such a great feeling to get a family hug. Sometimes Daddy and Jake pick Mommy up from work and they head to a nearby park or beach.
At home, Jake usually has a toy or book that he has enjoyed that day that he wants to share with Mommy. And we all get caught up on what the day has brought us all. Dinner happens at 5:00 p.m., with usually all of us in the kitchen helping to get it going. Well Mommy and Daddy helping, and Jake being busy opening cupboards and playing with mixing bowls. The after dinner cleanup is a well oiled machine, with either Mommy or Daddy putting away the leftovers and washing the dishes, and the other wiping down the dinner table and floor (Jake isn't the tidiest of eaters yet), sweeping up and getting Jake's bath time and bedtime gear set up. Bath time might one of Jake's favorite things, when we call for it at 6:00 p.m. he crawls to his room to get undressed and he is nothing but smiles and excitement when he hears the water running.
By 6:30 Daddy gets Jake into his pajamas and his sleeping bag, we all kiss goodnight, then Mommy nurses Jake. This is followed by at least three bedtime books, then a quiet song with the nightlights on, and it's already 7:00 p.m. When Mommy puts Jake into his crib, he cuddles his special yellow blanket, rolls over and goes to sleep. Goodnight Jake, have a good sleep, see you tomorrow.
